What is the story about?
On
Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season, and ahead of their Week 1 home opener against the Baltimore Ravens:
Here are some of the key takeaways:
OFFENSE
- The transition project of Dalton Tucker to center has failed, and he has slid back over to backup left guard behind perennial All-Pro Quenton Nelson, which means Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is the primary backup center—as everyone already expected following his late acquisition.
- Rookie running back Seth McGowan has earned the 2nd-string running back job behind star workhorse Jonathan Taylor, which means 2nd-year back DJ Giddens has been relegated to third-string for now.
- Quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is listed ahead of 2nd-year quarterback Riley Leonard as the primary backup behind starter Daniel Jones—as was already announced by head coach Shane Steichen last week.
DEFENSE
- Former 2025 2nd round pick Jaylahn Tuimoloau is still ahead of rookies George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry on the defensive edge depth chart, despite a fairly underwhelming preseason showing—albeit against stronger opposing 2nd-string offensive lines.
- Veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery is the 2nd-string nose tackle behind run stopping stalwart Grover Stewart, which means Tim Smith has been currently relegated to third-string.
- Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies will be the starting linebackers in the opener, which means rookie linebacker CJ Allen, who had recently run with the first-team defense in preseason, but was limited a bit by a hamstring in training camp, will be 2nd-string to begin the 2026 campaign. That could eventually change as the season progresses, but for now, he’ll remain with fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher and the 2nd-team defense at linebacker.
- AJ Haulcy is still listed as the first-team starter at safety over Hunter Wohler, even with the lingering ankle injury, which could ultimately keep him out of making his Colts debut this Sunday.
SPECIAL TEAMS
- Wideout Ashton Dulin and running back Seth McGowan are listed as the primary kick returners, which makes sense given Steichen’s explanation on Tuesday, but the punt return situation seems more fluid—especially if it comes down to starting slot Josh Downs. The Colts are still working through it, but it’s possible they could elect to promote special teams returner Anthony Gould ahead of Sunday’s game still yet for a more natural punt returner.
